Wednesday, December 31, 1969
Indianapolis, IN -- The National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP) will posthumously induct William T. Sturtevant into the CGP Hall of Fame, honoring his legacy within the field of charitable gift planning and higher education fundraising.
The Hall of Fame Award, CGP’s highest honor, recognizes those whose life's work has impacted charitable gift planning. Their work advances the mission of CGP and brings credit to all the professions engaged in charitable planning.
As Senior Vice President of Principal Gifts at the University of Illinois Foundation, William established the first principal gifts program at the University of Illinois, one of the first of its kind within higher education nationwide. He played a central role in the Foundation's major gift campaigns and, during his tenure, was directly involved with over $600 million in major gifts. During the University's Brilliant Futures campaign, the Principal Gifts Office led the effort to secure 65 gifts of $5 million or more, along with numerous major gifts below that level.
Throughout his distinguished 33-year career at the Foundation, William fostered transformational relationships with donors and their families. He served as Vice President for Planned Giving and Trust Relations at the Foundation from 1980 until 2004 before advancing to his senior role. He demonstrated his commitment to donors by serving their best interests while supporting the needs of charitable organizations.
William’s influence extended beyond the Foundation. He earned a national reputation for his educational seminars and best-selling book The Artful Journey: Cultivating and Soliciting the Major Gift, which was published in 1997, then revised and expanded in 2004. He was co-author of the Moves Management Manual, published in 2012. Additionally, William was a founding Director of the Institute for Charitable Giving and a member of the Boards of the Sirazi Foundation and the Lauritsen Family Foundation. His dedication to mentoring and supporting planned giving professionals at organizations ranging from small non profit organizations to major national institutions became integral to his career.
A nationally recognized specialist in major and deferred gifts, William earned the Certified Financial Planner designation in 1984. He regularly assisted a variety of charitable organizations with complicated or unusual gift situations. His expertise was recognized in 1995 when he was honored as Planned Giving Professional Of The Year by Planned Giving Today. In 2014, he became the inaugural recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the East Central Illinois AFP Chapter.
A source of guidance and inspiration, William’s generous contributions to advanced future generations and the planned giving and major gift profession. William will be inducted into the CGP Hall of Fame at CGP Conference 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
About CGP:
The National Association of Charitable Gift Planners (CGP) is the leading organization setting standards for charitable gift planners. We bring members together to learn, connect and advocate. We provide education and resources that enrich and advance careers. We connect colleagues at all levels through our national network—including those who defined the field. We exist to serve our distinguished profession and bring to life the art and science of charitable gift planning.
The National Association of Charitable Gift Planners serves over 8,000 members with the dedication and collaboration of its professional staff. Each team member brings a unique experience and shared commitment to advancing the field of charitable gift planning. Through their collaborative efforts and diverse backgrounds, the CGP Team enables the organization to advance the field of gift planning. 
From the launch of new educational programming to the growth of the organization, 2024 was a transformative year at the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. Thank you to our members and growing community who made this an extraordinary year. Together, we’re strengthening the future of charitable giving and our mission to support the gift planning community. 
